The Retreat Animal Rescue

A happy post, for a change!

Cows make me happy

I’ve been wanting to visit The Retreat for ages (as in, several years), so I was super excited to be taken for a Founder's Tour for my birthday recently!

When you spend so much time thinking about the pain and suffering endured by farm animals at the hands of humans, it is SO wonderful to connect with likeminded people, and witness the joy of animals living in peace and companionship in a place where they’re loved and respected.

The Retreat is such a place! Located in High Halden in Kent, its many acres are home to over 1200 animals, including cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, cats, dogs, and even some rats - living their best, un-persecuted lives 🥹

Our tour with Billy, the lovely Founder, was super relaxed and leisurely, and he chatted about his history in animal rights and rescue, the beginnings of The Retreat, and the personal stories of the some of the many, many residents! Most are rescued from the food industry, are discarded pets, or have disabilities or injuries that would have seen them sent to slaughter if they hadn't found sanctuary here. It was such a treat to be able to interact with some of the animals, and I enjoyed goat cuddles, cat cuddles, sheep cuddles, cow cuddles, donkey cuddles, and engaged in some pretty gorgeous piggy belly-rubs! 🩷

The Retreat has a vegan supermarket, some crafty shops, and (best of all?!) a vegan café, at which I had a very tasty cheezeburger and sweet potato fries!

The Retreat’s running costs are a staggering £800 a day, and the site couldn’t operate without its wonderful army of volunteers. It was clear from chatting to a few of them how much they love being part of this mission, and how passionate they are about the work that they’re doing there (super jealous….wish I lived closer 😫)

Donkeys make me happy

Pigs make me happy

More cows = more happiness

Goats make me happy

Horses make me happy

More pigs = more happiness

Ways to support

• Go visit! - Open Thursday – Sunday, 12 - 4pm. Entry and parking are free so be sure to buy something cute from the gift or thrift shops or have a tasty vegan lunch at the café!

  
  

• Book a personal tour (Couldn’t recommend enough – this was the BEST birthday present!)
  

• Volunteer – there are lots of ways you can be helpful
  

• Book a stay! – There are 2 lodges available at The Retreat for a unique and wholesome getaway!
  

• Donate – either financially or by buying food or items from the Wishlist!
  

• Help The Retreat to expand! – Check out the GoFundMe here

The only thing wrong with my trip to The Retreat was that I couldn't stay longer. There were so many more babies to cuddle. I'm already planning my next visit so I can see some of those gorgeous faces all over again. #friendsnotfood